Overview
THE Audi This fall e-tron kinds a part of an necessary all-electric SUV vary that can take the struggle to the likes of the BMW iX1, Lexus UX300e, Mercedes-Benz EQA-Class, and Tesla Mannequin Y Down Underneath
The battery electrical vary is now in native showrooms priced from $84,900 plus on-road prices in This fall 45 SUV e-tron type and $86,500 +ORC Sportback e-tron guise. The This fall 55 SUV e-tron quattro and This fall 55 Sportback e-tron quattro are priced from $105,900 and $107,500 respectively.
The 2025 Audi This fall e-tron vary is generously geared up from the get-go with an intensive stock of connectivity, infotainment, mechanical, and security equipment.
The ‘45’ badged duo provide a 210kW/550Nm single motor driving the rear wheels to ship a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds, whereas the ‘55’ badged variants provide twin motors totalling 250kW/679Nm and all-wheel drive, a 5.4 second 0-100km/h time.
Prime velocity is electronically restricted to 180km/h.
Each powertrains function an 82kWh battery pack (77kWh web) with the ‘45’ providing DC quick charging at as much as 135kW and the ‘55’ at as much as 175kW.
A ten to 80 per cent cost time of round 28 minutes is suggested, whereas three on-board regenerative modes provide as a lot as 0.3g of braking recuperation.
Sitting within the ‘candy spot’ for Aussie patrons – throughout the well-liked Medium SUV section – the Audi This fall e-tron measures 4600mm in size and rides upon a 2760mm wheelbase.
The numbers present the SUV with 520 – 1490 litres of cargo house, relying on seating configuration and the Sportback a misleading 535 – 1460 litres.
For Australian variants, Audi has made the This fall e-tron obtainable with its customisable matrix LED headlights and clever augmented actuality head-up show.
Normal options on ‘45’ variants embody LED headlights, metallic paint, a powered tailgate, Audi digital cockpit with two show choices, leather-based appointed upholstery, heated entrance seats, and tri-zone local weather management.
The ‘55’ provides matrix LED headlights with digital gentle signatures, S line styling signature, sports activities entrance seats with S embossing, Audi digital cockpit plus with three show choices, and colored LED ambient cabin lighting.
Normal tools highlights for the This fall 45 e-tron consists of metallic paint, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and energy folding door mirrors, tow bar preparation (wiring), electrical tailgate, roof rails, and LED daytime working lights.
Inside, the variant provides leatherette upholstery, heated entrance seats, electrical driver seat adjustment, comfort key, storage package deal, tri-zone local weather management, MMI navigation plus, Audi smartphone interface and digital cockpit, cellphone field gentle, and an Audi sound system.
Security equipment extends to excessive beam help, rear view digital camera, adaptive cruise management, lane departure warning, Audi Pre Sense, and facet help.
The Sportback variant provides 20-inch wheels and Audi’s S line exterior styling package deal.
For the This fall 55 SUV e-tron we discover 20-inch wheels and Audi’s S line exterior styling package deal, matrix LED headlights, LED taillights, Audi digital cockpit plus, entrance sport seats with electrical adjustment (driver and passenger), door mirror reminiscence perform, and a flat high and backside steering wheel.
Extra security tools features a 360-degree digital camera, park help and lively lane help.
Lastly, for the This fall 55 Sportback e-tron, we discover 21-inch wheels as the one addition over the SUV variant.
Driving Impressions
There are disparate ambient sensations that the mind is having issue in bringing into focus, the place the typically tortured sound of the tyres and wind are usually not syncing with the shortage of any mechanical howl.
However the introduction of the EV now means that is now not a brand new sensation. Taking a brisk nation drive in an EV adjustments the best way our senses beforehand absorbed the texture and noise of the street and the automotive.
Although there are adjustments, accepting the extra muted sound of the drive generally is a nice enticement to an electrical car. And if that comes with equal street holding and excessive stage of driver engagement, then the EV has lots to supply an enthusiastic proprietor.
Audi debuts its first small-segment electrical car, the This fall e-tron, right into a crowded market however is assured of success because it sees its gross sales energy in model high quality and clear-cut efficiency mandate.
On the street, this optimism seems properly positioned. The This fall, is priced to entice novated lease and fleet patrons, escaping tax penalties akin to LCT and FBT to enchantment to its goal market’s finances and revenue.
Getting below the LCT (now $91,387) saves bucks however that is probably not why prospects think about the This fall. Even its spaciousness and packaging, whereas alluring, don’t cloud the truth that this factor is a really competent street automotive.
Just like the sports activities efficiency on which Audi constructed its identify, the This fall carries it over into electrification with the brand new SUV displaying an identical penchant for winding roads as its ICE sibling, the Q3.
Audi Australia head of product Matthew Dale stated it was crucial that the newest e-tron mannequin be adept at street dealing with and delivering an attractive driver expertise.
“The 55 (all-wheel drive) model has two electrical motors, however its dealing with has been moulded on the (ICE) quattro fashions of the Audi vary,” he stated.
“For the motive force, the transfer to electrical doesn’t impair the enjoyable issue or the efficiency and security advantages obtainable within the ICE quattros.”
Audi provided the 45 model (rear-drive, single motor) for the check drive out of Adelaide and into the hills. The SUV variant (sq. again) has reasonably much less slippery aerodynamics than the Sportback (sloping rear) however the drive by no means confirmed any deficiency.
The 45 punches 210kW/545Nm by way of the rear axle, fed by an 82kWh battery that sits below the ground.
A lot of the suspension design follows Audi’s ICE fashions, with MacPherson struts on the entrance and multi-links on the again. Not like the ICE equivalents, the unladen weight of the This fall 45 SUV typifies EV baggage with a 2040kg penalty. Add a driver and it’s a 2200kg automotive.
However whereas some elements are widespread, some which might be bolted to the MEB platform differ to raised relate to the electrical drive.
The steering is electrically assisted however has a particular really feel. The brakes are entrance discs, however the rear models are drums, not as a result of they’re cheaper (though they’re) however as a result of in contrast to discs, they don’t rub towards the rotor looking for to scrub and align the pads to maximise braking energy.
The primary nook exhibits the steering is completely different. Audi ICEs notably have a agency steering really feel at velocity and thru corners, as its speed-dependent help balances parking lightness with freeway firmness.
The This fall can be velocity dependent however at all times feels lighter than anticipated a judgement that may change with familiarisation.
The information that the rear finish is slowed by archaic drum brakes doesn’t floor. The regeneration supplied by the motor is powerful sufficient in order that the SUV may be pushed exhausting right into a nook earlier than a trailing accelerator will immediate the regeneration to drag again the velocity. This may be adjusted, in ranges of ferocity, through the paddle shifters.
The 45 is a well-balanced machine by way of the corners – on this case the serpentine routes of the Adelaide hills – however it’s additionally very properly sprung. Experience consolation charges very extremely, as does the shortage of harshness within the suspension or any mid-corner hiccups brought on by irregular bitumen.
Transfer to the all-wheel drive 55 – on this case additionally shifting from the square-back SUV to the Sportback – signifies the cornering stance will likely be flatter and the turn-in tighter, adopted by heaps extra grip.
As anticipated, it got here true. The 55 makes use of an on-demand system to have interaction the entrance axle, in a lot the identical manner the ICE quattros meter out torque to the entrance wheels once they sense a scarcity of traction.
The drive to the entrance wheels within the 55 actually offers extra chew and reduces any tyre washout (understeer) however solely by small levels. Arguably, higher driving acumen might make the 45 nook as fluidly because the 55, however maybe not as fast.
The distinction could be the exit. The 55 has 250kW/545Nm – however weighs an additional 120kg – and that bonus 40kW offers it some extra mumbo to extra spiritedly pull out of the arc of the nook. Again-to-back, the 55 is a sooner point-to-point wagon if the street is as winding because the Adelaide hills route.
Each the 45 and 55 accomplished the route and confirmed a variety every of about 400km, not inconsiderable given the drives have been speedy and the roads a bit demanding.
If something, it confirmed that Audi’s new electrical mid-size SUV is as competent as its Q3 sister. Simply sooner – and quieter.
